Blur's Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon have been announced as special guests for this year's pre-Brit Awards fundraising gig.

Blur‘s Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon have been announced as special guests for this year’s pre-Brit Awards fundraising gig.

The pair will join headliner Ed Sheeran and BBC Sound Of 2012 nominees Dry The River for the bash, which takes place at London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on February 19 and is being hosted by O2 and War Child.

Albarn and Coxon will also be appearing at The Brit Awards at London’s O2 Arena on February 21, with Blur set to receive the Outstanding Contribution To Music award at the 2012 event. Bassist Alex James recently revealed that the Britpop legends would definitely be performing at the event, stating: “We’re going to play, which is brilliant, it’s like putting the Blues Brothers back together.”

James had also previously hinted that the band were likely to record new music together again, although suggested that they wouldn’t release the songs as a full studio album.

Music Director of War Child Ben Knowles added: “War Child’s annual BRIT Awards show has become a unique and important date in the music calendar, with some of the biggest and best musical talent coming together to support War Child.”

He continued: “We believe music can make a difference, it can change lives. This year’s amazing line-up will prove that – it will make for a stunning, unforgettable night and one that will raise money to help thousands of children affected by war. We’re very grateful to all the acts and O2 for their fantastic support.”